Even small quantities of booze can loosen inhibitions and lead you to do things you'll wish you hadn't, wrote Peter Post.

Robin Abrahams adds that if you're in a workplace where people do drink a lot, get something like a rum and Coke or gin and tonic for your first drink, then stick to plain Coke or tonic after that. This way no one will know how much you're not drinking.
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John Bohn / Globe Staff

Get a sense of formality beforehand

You don't want to be wearing an elf sweater and earrings with blinking Rudolph noses when everyone else is in sleek suits, or vice versa, advises Robin Abrahams.

Shown: Suzi Hansen and her husband, Allen Hansen, ride a tandem bicycle dressed as grinches.
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Jodi Hilton/ Globe Photo

Be prepared for small talk

Peter Post advises that you have several topics, questions, or comments in mind when you arrive at the party. Also, make an effort to strike up conversations with people you don't know.
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If there's karaoke, participate

It's just good office politics, says Robin Abrahams. It shows you're a team player and not excessively risk-averse.

Shown from left: Jonathan Noel, Johnny Snapps, Mike Hartford, and Roger Fisk of The Popgun Seven rehearsing for a Holiday Party.
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Evan Richman/ Globe Staff

Don't host party at inappropriate venue

Don't have the office party at Hooters, or any other place that will make some members of your staff uncomfortable, Robin Abrahams advises.
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Jonathan Wiggs/Globe Staff

Don't get religious

Robin Abrahams says that if you're throwing the party or in charge of planning it, keep the decorations generic and secular (evergreens, lights) unless yours is a religious workplace.
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Shown from right: Workers at Conventures enjoy a rather sedate holiday party with a Yankee swap.
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Lane Turner/ Globe Staff

No personal items as gifts

Lace underwear, cute boxer shorts, perfume, or cologne could be misconstrued as an unwanted overture, says Peter Post. Choose something nonpersonal, such as tickets to a movie or a play, a gift certificate to a restaurant, a picture frame for a desk, or similar gifts.
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istockphoto.com

Give gifts privately

Peter Post advises that if you want to give a gift to a co-worker and you're not giving gifts to other co-workers, give the gift privately away from the office. That way you won't be slighting the co-workers you're not exchanging gifts with.
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Essdras M Suarez/ Globe Staff

Thank people sincerely

Peter Post says that you should thank the organizer of the office party, your "Secret Santa," your boss, and anyone else at your office who was instrumental in making the holidays a little more joyful at work.
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Remember: It's still work

You're not at the office party to have fun, you're there to act like you're having fun. Never forget that it's work, says Robin Abrahams.

Peter Post also cautions that no matter how festive the atmosphere, your holiday office party is still a business event.
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